BCCI Secretary Jay Shah Gives Nod For Cricket In 2028 Olympics
Updated - 09 Aug 2021, 12:59 PM
Cricket is getting closer and closer to its return to the Olympics as now Jay Shah, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary, has reportedly given his nod for the sport to be included in the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.
Cricket had previously featured in the 1900 Paris Olympics. After Belgium and Netherlands pulled out, only one match in the tournament, the final, took place which saw Great Britain defeat France by 158 runs. However, cricket was never played again in the international Games.
The BCCI had earlier been reluctant for cricket in Olympics; however, that stance has softened in recent times. Last year the ICC asked all its members to report on the potential financial benefits of inclusion.
“Once cricket is added in the Olympics, India will be participating,” BCCI secretary Jay Shah was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.
“The BCCI and the ICC are on the same page as far as participation in the Olympics is concerned,” he added.
The BCCI, Indian Olympic Association (IOA), and the government are working together on this project. Recently, the BCCI gifted Rs. 10 crore to assist the Tokyo-bound Indian contingent’s marketing budget; they then also announced hefty cash prizes, totalling Rs. 4 crore, for the seven medal winners on Saturday.
With a prod from the government to increase India’s medal prospects, the boards has also altered its stance.
“The BCCI is more than happy to work together with the government and help increase India’s medal chances,” a BCCI official said.
It remains to be seen if ICC introduces the T10 – or even The Hundred – format at the international level for the Olympics, or will they continue with the T20 format.
In encouraging news for fans, Cricket has also been added as in the 2022 Commonwealth Games (Birmingham, July-Aug). The Indian board had agreed to send a women’s team for the competition. There’s cricket planned for the 2022 Asian Games (Hangzhou, September) as well.
With the packed calendar with ICC events, bilateral cricket and franchise leagues, a window for the men’s teams wasn’t available and feasible for the boards.
Also Read: Dinesh Karthik Reveals The Words Of Advice He Received From Rahul Dravid And MS Dhoni
Tagged:
2028 Olympics The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)
